Development Director

About Harlem Academy

Harlem Academy is an independent school (grades K through 8) that drives equity of opportunity for promising students, guiding them to thrive at the highest academic levels and one day make a mark on the world. Please peruse our website for more information about our school culture, family partnership, new campus, strong results – and everything else that makes Harlem Academy uniquely positioned in the New York City education landscape.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the head of school and in close collaboration with the board of trustees, the development director leads all fundraising efforts. Given the school’s focus on equity, fundraising fuels the school’s mission. This role offers a rare chance to drive the growth and evolution of a dynamic institution and build the resources that will sustain and expand its impact for decades to come.

Primary Responsibilities

Fundraising

• Develops, implements, and manages the annual fundraising strategy to exceed the $5.5M+ annual fund and other fundraising targets.
• Designs and launches the next capital and endowment campaign (likely $50M-$60M), building on the success of the $32.4 million capital campaign completed in 2021.
• Leads the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of a major gifts portfolio.
• Collaborates with the strategy & communications director to develop and deliver compelling messaging and communication materials.
• Manages onsite and offsite partner events that drive fundraising and stewardship.

Board Partnership and Volunteer Programs

• Collaborates closely with the board of trustees on development goals, including staffing the development committee, events committee, committee on trustees, and capital campaign committee.
• Leads the expansion of the advisory council and junior board.
• Oversees all volunteer programs, including corporate volunteering, a weekly mentoring program, and one-off opportunities.

Management

• Supervises a 4-5-member development team.
• Manages the development department budget.
• Oversees the management of databases and all records, files, and gift processing.
• Maintains office systems to support all fundraising projects and operations.
• Works with the leadership team to maintain healthy and productive collaboration between departments.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of experience in development, fundraising, or nonprofit leadership, with demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts.
• Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage and inspire a wide range of stakeholders, including donors, trustees, and volunteers.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and drive results.
• Confident and compelling presence in donor-facing settings, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach and a track record of execution.
• Experience with donor databases (Raiser’s Edge/Blackbaud preferred) and using data to inform fundraising strategy and decision-making.
• Commitment to Harlem Academy’s mission and to expanding access to high-quality educational opportunities for promising, low-income students.

Compensation

Harlem Academy offers a challenging and supportive work environment, leadership and professional growth opportunities, health benefits, 32 days of PTO plus holidays, and an annual salary ranging from $160,000 to $200,000 depending on experience. The position is in-person, with occasional work outside of regular hours and flexibility during school breaks.

How to apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume to Vinny Dotoli, Head of School, at vdotoli@harlemacademy.org with Development Director in the subject line. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through May 21.

Harlem Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, national origin or ancestry, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, or any non-job-related physical or mental disability. Furthermore, we value and respect all types of diversity and strongly encourage applicants from traditionally marginalized groups to apply.

Harlem Academy offers a challenging and supportive work environment, leadership and professional growth opportunities, health benefits, 32 days of PTO plus holidays, and an annual salary ranging from $160,000 to $200,000 depending on experience. The position is in-person, with occasional work outside of regular hours and flexibility during school breaks.

English: Professional proficiency required; strong written and verbal communication skills essential.